The McKinney Ladies Association (MLA) presented a $50,000 check Friday that will fund college scholarships for the children of McKinney’s first responders during the next 10 years.
“The $50,000 check we gave represents MLA’s commitment to provide $5,000 in scholarship funds each year for the next decade,” MLA President Becky Smeltzer said. “For the past several years, MLA has proudly contributed to this scholarship fund benefiting the children of McKinney’s police officers and firefighters. Our presentation Friday formalizes the commitment we have to continuing our support of this wonderful scholarship fund.”
The scholarship fund was founded by Bob and Sheila Johnson of Johnson Insurance & Financial, a financial service company in McKinney that has served the North Texas area for decades. Sheila Johnson is also an MLA member.
Also on Friday, MLA donated $5,000 to the scholarship fund from proceeds raised during MLA’s Spring 2013 Yard Sale, which was held in May. The Johnsons plan to present scholarships to deserving graduates this summer.
“MLA is so honored to provide this scholarship money because we feel it’s a way we can give back to the public servants who provide crucial services for our community and who rush to help us all at a moment’s notice,” Smeltzer said.
MLA is already preparing for its Fall 2013 Yard Sale, set for 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 21 in the parking lot of Stonebridge United Methodist Church, 1800 S. Stonebridge Drive in McKinney.
Registration is ongoing for anyone who would like to sell items during the sale, which will also raise scholarship funds for children of first responders. To participate, members of the community may reserve a space to sell items (except concessions) by contacting coordinator Connie Hollstein-Drexel at cjhollstein@aol.com. The cost to reserve one of the 126 available spaces is $45. Sellers’ reservations must be received by Sept. 16.
Shoppers are welcome Sept. 21, and the sale will occur rain or shine. Adults are asked to donate $1 in order to browse and shop.
About MLA:
The McKinney Ladies Association (MLA) is dedicated to supporting the children and families of our community through special events and fundraising efforts organized by MLA. For more information about MLA or to find out how to become a member of this exciting women’s organization, please visit www.mckinneyladies.org. Look for us on Facebook at McKinney LadiesAssociation and on Twitter at @McKinneyLadies.
About HorsePower Communications:
HorsePower Communications is McKinney, Texas, firm that specializes in public relations, public participation, business writing/editing and marketing. The firm is owned by Holly Becka, a former news reporter with more than 20 years of communications experience as well as specialized expertise in public relations consulting, project management, writing and editing. For information, send an email to holly@horsepowercommunications.com.